Did you know lichen can help you determine the quality of your air?

Our fun experiment a couple of days ago was testing our air quality (part of the Exploring Creation with Botany curriculum).  We decided to forego the wire clothes hanger tester the book suggested constructing and decided to instead use one of my quilting rulers that already had well marked square grids.  You simply count the number of grids completely filled with lichen in comparison with the total # of grids overall to determine the quality of your air.  I know I could explain it so much better than that, but I'll leave you to go check out the curriculum for yourself! 

Our results ... we tested four oak trees located in various spots on our property.  The results were 63%, 45%, 78%, and 86%.  That tells us that our air quality is pretty darn good!  I was definitely pleased to learn that tidbit.